O'Leary eager to see UCF force more fumbles

ORLANDO — UCF's success this season is due in part to a defense that ranks first in turnover margin (plus-4) in Conference USA and No. 30 among all FBS programs.

UCF coach George O'Leary said he thinks the defensive unit could be even better, citing missed opportunities through the early part of the season for potential interceptions. He's also stressed the importance of proper tackling and the turnovers that come with it.

"We've got to force more fumbles, that's one thing that's been bothering me," O'Leary said while . "We've got too many reachers and not enough contact guys . . . too many guys [are] leading with their hands instead of their shoulder pads and chest plate. As far as tackling, that's what causes turnovers and that's been an emphasis for a couple of weeks now."

Last year, the Knights intercepted nine passes and recovered six fumbles during a disappointing 5-7 campaign. In 2012, UCF already has six interceptions and six fumble recoveries through its first six games.

UCF plays at Memphis Saturday. The Tigers enter Saturday's game having fumbled 18 times this year, 10 of which have been recovered by opposing teams.

Memphis junior QB Jacob Karam has thrown only one interception while going 87-of-146 passing for 940 yards and six touchdowns for the Tigers.

While UCF's defense ranks No. 1 overall in C-USA, Memphis ranks as one of the worst in C-USA offensively with 18 points (No. 10) and 288 yards (No. 11) per game.